This coming Tuesday, April 4th, Chicagoans will pick a new mayor.
Black Chicagoans, in particular, will be making a crucial decision — one that will impact our livelihoods, safety and the future prosperity and well-being of our families and communities.
We will choose between former Bridgeport Public Schools Superintendent and Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner for Chicago’s 1st District Brandon Johnson to lead our city for the next four years.
But the impact of their mayoral term could last well beyond that and in very different ways.
Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson are both running as Democrats — but they could not be more different, especially regarding issues that directly impact the Black community.
As I discussed in my breakdown of the race in the aftermath of the February 28th election — which produced this run-off between the two men — some serious questions have come up in this campaign about Vallas and his ability to represent Black Chicagoans fairly.
The Best Candidate for Black Chicagoans
Vallas has called the unsugarcoated teaching of Black history in our schools “divisive” and “a dangerous thing.” And he’s joined in with disingenuous right-wing attacks on police reform plans, like the one Johnson has presented, unfairly equating them with the controversial “Defund the Police” hashtag and slogan.
In contrast, Brandon Johnson has presented himself as a champion for Black Chicago families.
Johnson, a former public school teacher, has been endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union. He is a union organizer whose campaign platform includes plans for affordable housing, police reform, and protecting and enhancing the civil rights of Chicagoans — including the Black community.
Johnson has received support from a wide and diverse range of elected public officials on a national level, from progressive giants like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren to Democratic Party leaders like Congressman James Clyburn.
On the state level, he has been endorsed by our Congressional Representatives, including Jan Schakowsky, Danny K. Davis and his former mayoral primary rival, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
On the local level, Johnson is being backed by multiple area alderpersons and county-wide representatives, including Michael D. Rodriguez of the 22nd Ward, Josina Morita, Cook County Commissioner, 13th District and Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board.
Johnson’s campaign website biography emphasizes that he was “raised on a foundation of hard work, faith, and service.” As the son of a pastor and one of ten siblings, he made his way in his career in public education and service, an endeavor which I am sure must have required a great deal of faith and, certainly, a whole lot of hard work.
Johnson has brought this stellar work ethic to the campaign trail — and I am convinced he would also bring it to City Hall as well.
As a Chicagoan, I want our next mayor to deliver results for our great city and lead us into the future.
And as a Black Chicagoan, I want my next mayor to appreciate the unique challenges my community faces — from our financial security to our very safety as individuals and collectively — not to downplay them or dismiss them as “divisive.”
This Tuesday, we will have a crucial decision to make.
In a democracy like ours, our vote is our voice. So I urge you to use your voice — and to choose wisely.
How to Vote
Polls will be open on Tuesday from 6 AM to 7 PM. You can find your polling place here. You can also find a comprehensive list of all Chicago area polling places here.
Here is some important information about Voter ID requirements — including which voters are required to provide ID and when.
You can also contact the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners at 312-269-7976 for more information about your polling place or any questions or concerns that may arise on Election Day.
